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firefox 3.6 starts in taskbar mode, not normal screen mode

  • 6 replies
  • 9 have this problem
  • 5 views
  • Last reply by markj

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Firefox opens only as an item on the Windows taskbar, instead of in "normal" screen mode. I then have to click on the taskbar item to get Firefox to open in normal screen mode.

By normal screen mode, I mean the mode where Firefox fills up part of the computer screen and Firefox can then be resized or moved around the screen as one desires. I am not talking about opening Firefox in what is variously called "full screen," F11, or maximized mode --- and I do not want Firefox opening in such a mode.

I have a wide screen monitor which I use to open and view several software programs at the same time, something which is very handy when you want to compare information from a program on one's computer with information from a Web site, and I need Firefox to open in normal screen mode to permit me to do this multiple program viewing.

I have tried the following plugins , but they either do not solve my problem, or only allow me to start Firefox in full screen mode: - AutoHide - Full Fullscreen - FullerScreen

I have tried searching the Firefox help database, and have done a more general internet search using Google, and have not found any information on this problem.

Is there a Firefox configuration setting I can make to direct Firefox to always open in normal screen mode?

Firefox opens only as an item on the Windows taskbar, instead of in "normal" screen mode. I then have to click on the taskbar item to get Firefox to open in normal screen mode. By normal screen mode, I mean the mode where Firefox fills up part of the computer screen and Firefox can then be resized or moved around the screen as one desires. I am not talking about opening Firefox in what is variously called "full screen," F11, or maximized mode --- and I do not want Firefox opening in such a mode. I have a wide screen monitor which I use to open and view several software programs at the same time, something which is very handy when you want to compare information from a program on one's computer with information from a Web site, and I need Firefox to open in normal screen mode to permit me to do this multiple program viewing. I have tried the following plugins , but they either do not solve my problem, or only allow me to start Firefox in full screen mode: - AutoHide - Full Fullscreen - FullerScreen I have tried searching the Firefox help database, and have done a more general internet search using Google, and have not found any information on this problem. Is there a Firefox configuration setting I can make to direct Firefox to always open in normal screen mode?

All Replies (6)

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Resolved.

I have not had this problem since I updated Firefox to version 3.6.15. At the same time, Microsoft has issued several updates to Windows 7 Professional in the past few weeks. I am not sure which set of updates resolved the problem.

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Unresolved again... and now occuring in Firefox 4:

Since I wrote in March, 2011, saying this problem was resolved, it started to occur again occasionally in Firefox 3.6. I have since upgraded to Firefox 4.0.1 and the problem occurs most of the time in Firefox 4.

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Did you check the Properties of the Firefox desktop shortcut via the right-click context menu to make sure that you do not open Firefox Minimized?

Modified by cor-el

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Reply to Cor-el:

I do not use the Firefox desktop shortcut to open Firefox. Instead, I use a key on a Microsoft internet keyboard. The related keyboard software only asks for the name and location of the Firefox executable file on the hard drive. I suppose there could be "command line" type options which could be used in addition to the file name, but I do not use any such options.

Thank you for your suggestion. Though it does not solve the problem for me, it may assist others who are having this same problem.

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Does Firefox open the same way if you create and use a desktop shortcut?

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Reply to Cor-el's June 6th message: I created a desktop shortcut and tested it a few times, both various times during computer sessions and a few times just after I had powered up my desktop computer. The shortcut always opens Firefox in "normal screen mode." I also tested opening Firefox from the Start button menu item I have had for several years. The menu item also always opens Firefox in "normal screen mode."

         It is only when I use the Web/Home button on the Microsoft internet keyboard that  Firefox opens in "taskbar mode."  Also, this problem has only been occuring for the past 6 or 7 months.  Before that, I could always open Firefox 3 in "normal screen mode" using the Web/Home button.

Note to the other eight people who also indicated they have this problem: My version of the problem seems to be with Firefox's interaction with the software for the Microsoft internet keyboard. I would appreciate it if you could post a reply to this discussion informing everyone whether you have this Firefox startup problem when you use a dedicated keyboard key, or if you have the startup problem when you use just a desktop shortcut or a Start button menu item. Thank you.